While the best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, good habits can help stop germs. Whether it’s taking time to cover your cough or wash your hands, take action to protect yourself and others from influenza this season.
Since it’s National Influenza Vaccination Week this December 3-9, now’s the time to get your annual flu vaccine and practice these simple steps to make a big impact in your health!
Practice Daily Healthy Habits
Keeping up with a routine can be helpful for staying healthy! Whether you work in the healthcare sector, as a teacher surrounded by children, as a caregiver, or just want to fight against cold and flu, make sure you get plenty of sleep, exercise, fluids, and nutritious food. Determined to kill those germs? Don’t forget to disinfect surfaces in your home and at work!
Get A Flu Vaccine
Flu season peaks between December and February – don’t wait to get that shot! The sooner you get vaccinated, the more secure you’ll be against the flu when it picks up in your local area.
Taking time to get your vaccine can not only reduce the risk of flu, but also doctors’ visits, and missed work or school due to sickness – as well as any flu-related hospitalizations.
Take Preventive Action
Whether it’s washing your hands using soap and warm water – make sure to rub your hands under the water for as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice – avoiding contact with shared surfaces such as door knobs or tables, or staying at home to rest when you’re sick, all of these small habits can help to slow the spread of illnesses like the flu.
Arm Yourself With Antivirals
If you do get the flu, don’t skip those antiviral drugs. Different from over-the-counter antibiotics, they are prescription medicines that make the flu milder and shorten the time you are sick. You need to get healthy so you can get back on the floor!
Find Out If You’re High Risk
Are you at risk? Catching the flu can trigger a number of serious complications including pneumonia, inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), sepsis, or even multi-organ failure. Influenza can also make chronic medical problems such as asthma or heart disease worse, so it’s essential to identify if you, or a loved one, are high risk during this season.
Other people at risk include:
- Children younger than 5 years old, especially younger than 2
- People 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
- People who have specific medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease and asthma
- Healthcare professionals
Whether you’re in the healthcare sector or just serious about your own health, do your part this season and be a flu fighter by practicing these germ busting habits and getting your annual flu vaccine today!
*Disclaimer: KPG Healthcare is not responsible for any experiences, reactions or health concerns associated with the flu shot and/or your health. You should always ask your licensed physician before seeking additional care. This article is for informational purposes only, for additional information on influenza please refer to the Center of Disease Control website.*
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